Project SOS Gives 6,058 Backpacks Filled With Supplies

August 16, 2014, 11:59 PM

SIOUX FALLS, SD -

Thousands of parents and their students formed a line in Whittier Middle School that reaches out the doors, around the corner and down the block. They're waiting to get everything they need before school starts from Project SOS.

Dylan Mullinix is entering fifth grade on Monday. He and his younger brother River unknowingly picked out the exact same backpack.

"It makes me feel pretty good having one," Dylan said.

The brand-new school supplies are a huge relief for their father, Ryan who says getting ready for back to school can be expensive, especially on a tight budget.

"It does, it helps out a lot. I mean, we've been trying week to week to get a few things. This helps out a ton. It's been great," Ryan said.

6,058 backpacks were given out to any child who needed them today, from kindergarten to college. The supplies were collected in donation boxes set up at nearly every retailer in Sioux Falls. And for the Mullinix's they say they're happy they can start the school year off on the right foot.

"(It's) pretty cool," River said.

And while the event is over, Project SOS is still collecting items through Labor Day. Organizers say they will keep the supplies on hand in case a child needs them during the school year.